Autistic teenager, 18, given wire 'cage' by council to play in

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Autistic teenager, 18, given wire 'cage' by council to play in

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 2:32 PM on 2nd November 2010

A teenager with severe autism was given a 'cage' resembling a dog run to play

in.

The 18-year-old boy's parents said they had been promised a specialised play

area by the council - but were horrified when they saw the wire pen instead.

They had raised £500 towards the cost of the outdoor facility at the Nicolson

Institute in Stornoway on the Isle of , which was supposed to keep their

son safe as he cannot play with other children.

But instead of the decking and play equipment they expected, there was a metal

pen with a wooden door and bolt.

Polley Tommey, the founder of the Autism Trust, said she was sickened when she

saw the pictures of the structure.

'What kind of person builds a cage for another person to be in? she said.

'No child - with or without learning difficulties - should be caged.'

The Western Isles Council has apologised to the family and said it had removed

the 'entirely inappropriate' provision, which it blamed on a mix-up with

suppliers.